Preview: FA Women’s Cup final

31 May 2014

mkdons.com

Arsenal and Everton Ladies go head-to-head at stadiummk on Sunday afternoon in the FA Women’s Cup final (kick-off 4pm).

The Gunners, who booked their place in the final with 5-3 win over Chelsea, are 12-time winners of the competition although their opponents Everton are the only side to have beaten them in a FA Cup final.

The Toffees ran-out 3-2 victors over the London side back in the 2010 final to win their first and only FA Women’s Cup in their current identity.

Both sides have endured difficult starts to their Womens Super League seasons but will no doubt be ready and raring to go with one of women’s football’s most prestigious honours up for grabs.

Kelly Smith, Arsenal captain – speaking to Arsenal.com

"There's enough experience in this side to help us over the line and playing in the FA Cup final is such a big occasion that there will be no problems getting up for this game.

"The FA Cup could be a turning point for us. It's the most prestigious cup competition in women's football so a win on Sunday could change our season.

"We've got experience of playing on the big occasions. The older players have a responsibility to help the younger players along the way but they also have the responsibility to come in and try to gain a spot.”

“I’ve just been speaking to the girls personally and they’re all buzzing and can’t wait, especially because I know everyone is going to look at it as two teams down at the bottom fighting for this cup.

“Arsenal are Arsenal and they’ve always been a brilliant side and the young players they’ve got in are really good so it’s going to be a hard one for us but I think everyone loves an underdog in these kind of competitions.

“When Andy (Spence) gave me the captaincy in pre-season, I did promise him some silver and hopefully we can go there and win it.”

Team news

Eight of Arsenal’s FA Women’s Cup winning side of 2013 departed the club at the end of the last season but they will be hoping their newest recruits, namely Japanese internationals Yukari Kinga and Shinobu Ohno can inspire them to victory.

Everton, meanwhile, will no doubt be relying on the goal-scoring prowess of striker Nikita Parris, who has already netted five goals this campaign, four of which have come in this competition.